Barcelona identify €20m South American winger as Nico Williams alternative

Signing a new winger is one of Barcelona's priorities in the transfer market as the club prepares for the upcoming season.

Nico Williams is currently FC Barcelona's number one target, with the aim of strengthening the ranks of the attacking unit.

However, acquiring the services of the Spain international will be tricky due to his price tag, coupled with the fact that the player is happy at Athletic Club.

Barcelona identifies a plan B

With this in mind, FC Barcelona have identified Maxi Araujo as a potential alternative, should the club fail in their pursuit of Nico Williams.

This is according to El Chiringuito, which suggests that FC Barcelona sporting director Deco is closely following Araujo's progress.

A left winger by training, Araujo currently plays for Mexican club Toluca. Aged 24, Araujo has made 59 competitive appearances for Toluca since joining the club for €5.6 million.

During his time at Toluca, the forward was involved in 18 goals, impressing spectators with his productivity and ability to create chances in the final third.

Araujo's impressive performances in Mexico have also earned him a regular place in the Uruguay national team, with the forward having already won 13 caps for his country.

The forward featured in all three of Uruguay's Copa America matches this summer, scoring two goals and providing an assist.

How much will Araujo cost?

Given that Maxi Araujo has no experience of European football, he could be a much cheaper alternative to Nico Williams.

In fact, the report suggests that Araujo has a release clause in his contract with Toluca, which is valued at around €20 million.

It's a perfectly reasonable fee for Barcelona, ​​although the Catalans will be reluctant to spend so much money on a South American talent, especially after the way Vitor Roque and Raphinha have performed at the Camp Nou.